Bringing together 24 young individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds, the Fanshawe Global Youth Summer Camp Program was a transformative experience. The three-week journey was carefully designed by Fanshawe Global to incorporate educational, cultural, and recreational activities in a way that provided participants with a rich understanding of Canadian culture while improving their English language skills and broadening their global perspectives.

There were some participants from Japan, including Yukito; others from Brazil like Sofia and Leon; and a girl from Turkey, named Defne. Due to language barriers, it was challenging to interact with these students at times. It was Sofia who stood out most for her kindness and resourcefulness. She not only provided translation services but also organized a meeting for us, skipping lunch to ensure effective communication.

A variety of activities were provided during the summer camp, beginning with extensive tours of Fanshawe College. Many of the college’s key schools were explored by the students, including the Aviation School, Public Safety School, Transportation Technology and Apprenticeship School, Health School, Community Studies School, and Hospitality and Culinary Arts School; where they were impressed by the college’s state-of-the-art facilities, especially the Innovation Village and medical rooms.

It was the daily English as a Second Language (ESL) classes that were an integral part of the program. Although the schedule was rigorous, the students demonstrated remarkable dedication. The observation of the ESL classes demonstrated their eagerness to learn, as well as their continuous efforts to communicate in English, resulting in a sense of camaraderie among them.

In the evenings, a variety of activities were scheduled to entertain and relax. These activities included film nights, trail walks, cultural nights, sports games, concerts at the City of Music, and carnivals. These activities provided much-needed socialization and downtime. Over the weekend, excursions were organized to iconic Canadian landmarks such as Niagara Falls and Canada’s Wonderland. These trips provided the students with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty and vibrant entertainment culture of Canada.

Furthermore, the program provided a significant opportunity for cultural exchange. Students originating from various parts of the world encountered varying customs and traditions, resulting in cultural shock. While these interactions were sometimes challenging, they played an important role in breaking down stereotypes and fostering mutual understanding. It is noteworthy that some participants were even able to learn basic Japanese phrases, indicating the program’s successful promotion of cross-cultural learning.

As a result of the diversity of the group, lively discussions about cultural differences occurred, often providing surprising or amusing insights. These discussions were essential to broadening the students’ worldviews and deepening their appreciation for global diversity.
In the beginning, there was a language barrier that was a major challenge. As the program progressed, the students became more confident in their English-speaking abilities, and the language barrier diminished. The students’ resilience and the effectiveness of the ESL classes contributed to this development.

It is without a doubt that the Fanshawe Global Youth Summer Camp Program was a remarkable success. The program not only enabled students to improve their English language skills, but also enabled them to forge new friendships and develop a deeper understanding of the world through an unforgettable blend of education, culture, and enjoyment. For all involved, the program was a truly transformative experience that provided cherished memories, enhanced knowledge, and a newfound appreciation for different cultures.